Phytoplankton & Zooplankton

Need assistance with wildlife and fish management on your ranch, backyard, or pond?Simply call your local County Extension Agent.

Larval fish culture is one of the riskiest phases of freshwater fish culture, but it can be one of the most profitable. Special planning is required to overcome the risk of high mortality during fry culture. Producers must have a dependable larvae supply, a facility appropriate for fry and fingerlings, the right size fry, the right kinds and quantity of food, and fry weaned from natural to prepared foods. They must also take special care in handling fish and preparing the pond. Zooplankton is required as a first food for many cultured fish; for others it contributes to faster growth and higher survival.